Paul Went Through Many Challenges, But He Never Gave Up
The crowd joined in the attack against Paul and Silas, and the magistrates ordered them to be stripped and beaten with rods. After they had been severely flogged, they were thrown into prison, and the jailer was commanded to guard them carefully.
Acts 16:22-23, NIV
When Paul cast out the evil spirit inside a woman, a group of people complained and attacked them because their hope of making money was gone. Because of this, Paul and Silas were beaten with rods and severely flogged. Aside from that, they were also thrown into prison.
Indeed, doing God’s will was not smooth and comfortable, especially in Paul’s life. There were instances when he needed to suffer physically just to follow God. He went through many challenges, but he never gave up.
It was evident that Paul and Silas were so focused on God that the uncomfortable things they experienced could never amount to the love and grace that they had already received. They didn’t question God for the suffering they went through. They didn’t even get angry at those who imprisoned them. They abide by the suffering God allowed them to experience and choose to trust Him.
Like Paul and Silas, we will also experience suffering and persecution in life. But the question is, are we willing to trust God despite the pain we will experience? Will we still choose to follow Him even when we face challenges?
You see, the way we deal with our problems will eventually change the moment we learn to fix our eyes on God. The negative things around us can’t easily shake our faith because we know what matters most in the end. If we have Jesus in our hearts, we will realize that the temporary suffering is nothing compared to His great love.
Prayer: Father God, thank you for reminding me to fix my eyes on you. Thank you for teaching me how to honor your name even in the midst of suffering. Thank you so much, Lord, for giving me the strength that I need. Please help me, Father, that I may always choose to follow you even if I can’t understand what’s happening. Please give me the faith to believe in your promises especially when I am in pain. This I ask and pray, in Jesus’ name, amen.
